Full house renovation in Hampton

We just received the final photos of our breath taking project for a full house renovation in Hampton. The transformation of this home is truly remarkable, showcasing the artful blend of modern design and timeless elegance. Click on the link below to see the finished project.

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

We started this exciting project back in 2019, when we were presented with the original brief, which involved various tasks such as internal alterations, both internally and externally modifying an extension that was built back in 2006, and the conversion of a loft space into two bedrooms and a bathroom.

One of the key objectives from the client was to create an open plan layout by removing an existing wall on the ground floor. Additionally, we wanted to enhance the overall aesthetic by designing a new staircase that seamlessly integrated with the existing one, ensuring it didn't feel like an afterthought. To achieve this, we needed to construct a front dormer to provide ample head height.

After extensive planning, we successfully gained approval from the council for the necessary alterations to the front of the house, aligning perfectly with the property's character. However, in 2020, a turn of events occurred when the client decided to relocate to a larger residence in a different location. As a result, the property was sold to a new owner who shared the vision and enthusiasm to finalize the original project. The new owner introduced an exciting twist by incorporating Crittal Style doors and windows supplied by Fabco Sanctuary, infusing the ground floor extension with a truly unique and captivating ambiance.

Renovation of a house of Townscape Merit

The final photos of our project for the renovation of a house of Townscape Merit are now online

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

This project was a remarkable opportunity for Square One Architects to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a historic 1920 house in Hampton. Situated within the Hampton Village Conservation Area, this property holds Townscape Merit, highlighting its unique significance. While the house underwent a refurbishment in 2003, certain parts of the structure were left untouched and now require attention.

One of our main objectives was to improve accessibility to the basement, which was previously accessed via a steep and outdated stairwell. Our solution involved replacing this outdated stair with a sleek and modern design, ensuring safer and more convenient access. By doing so, we not only addressed the functionality of the basement but also allowed an abundance of natural daylight to flood into the ground floor, creating a welcoming and open atmosphere.

In addition to optimizing the basement for accessibility, we transformed it into a versatile space, serving as a third bedroom complete with a comfortable sofa bed and a home gym. To further enhance its functionality, a new bathroom with a shower was also incorporated into the design.

Accompanying the basement remodel, we also adapted the entrance lobby to seamlessly connect with the new stairwell, providing a cohesive and harmonious transition between floors.

Envisioning the project holistically, we recognized the need to improve the overall approach to the house. As a result, we designed a new pedestrian access in correspondence with the wider section of the sidewalk on the main road. This not only enhances the curb appeal of the property but also ensures a safe and welcoming entrance for residents and visitors alike.

Understanding the importance of natural light, we incorporated two new skylights on the first level of the house. This strategic design decision amplifies the distribution of daylight throughout the entire space, creating a bright and airy ambiance that elevates the overall aesthetic.

The client’s brief also included the refurbishment of an existing green house. Conscious of preserving the original features, the contractor undertook a meticulous approach during the refurbishment process. Striving to retain as many original components as possible, we ensured the seamless blend of historical charm with modern functionality.

Lastly, our scope of work extended to the complete rewiring of the house and the installation of new lighting fixtures, guaranteeing a safe and contemporary electrical infrastructure.
Overall, this project allowed Square One Architects to not only make significant alterations to a historic 1920 house but also to honor its legacy and contribute to the Hampton Village Conservation Area. Our attention to detail and commitment to preserving the original character of the property ensured a seamless integration of modern enhancements while maintaining its timeless charm.

New front and rear garden

The front and rear garden of one of our projects for a house extension in Hampton has been completed and complement the design in a cohesive way.

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

This exciting project began back in 2019 when our team was approached by the client who owned a 4-bed semi-detached house in Hampton. Originally built in the 1930s, the property had undergone previous renovations by a former owner, resulting in a ground floor layout that no longer met the needs of the client's growing family.
Our task was to reimagine the space and create a more functional layout that would seamlessly blend with the original character of the house. The project involved a ground floor extension, carefully designed to accommodate an open plan layout that encompassed the kitchen, living, and dining areas, while also providing a separate space dedicated to the children. To enhance the overall ambiance, we incorporated large doors and skylights, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the space.
Additionally, we reconfigured the entire ground floor to provide well-designed bedrooms and a family bathroom. We meticulously planned every detail, ensuring that each room would serve its purpose with utmost efficiency and harmony. To further maximize the potential of the property, we designed a loft extension to create an additional bedroom complete with its own en-suite.
The end result of this project is a stunning transformation that not only respects the history of the home but also meets the evolving needs of the client's family. With a thoughtfully designed ground floor and a new loft extension, this house is now a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and comfort.

House boat updates

In 2020, Square One Architects worked on a special project involving a house boat on the river Thames. The client wanted a floating space that could serve multiple purposes for their house on a small island. It was important to the client that the view from their deck remained unobstructed, so we studied the river's level and tides to design a structure that would not block the view.

The following updates provide a comprehensive account of the construction process, capturing every significant milestone beginning from the early days in the boat yard all the way through to the momentous occasion of the structure's long-awaited completion in the latter part of 2021.

Update No.1 (01/07/2021)

We are thrilled to share the exciting progress we have made on one of our current projects! Our team has been dedicated to bringing a unique vision to life -- a magnificent house boat to be moored on the serene waters of the majestic river Thames. We are delighted to announce that the construction of the sturdy steel hull is well underway.

Update No2 (26/08/2021)

Our exciting house boat project in Hampton is progressing incredibly well. The dedicated team of skilled workers has successfully completed the hull and erected the robust main structure of the house boat. With careful attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship, every step of the construction process has been meticulously executed.

Update No.3 (13/09/2021)

Our project to build a house boat on the Thames is currently being constructed. The vision that was once only on paper is becoming a real thing as the main structure of the house takes shape gracefully.

The new round windows, resembling elegant portholes, have been meticulously installed.

Update No.4 (18/10/2021)

Our house boat project is now on the verge of completion. With meticulous attention to detail our team of architects has worked towards transforming this visionary concept into a reality. As we eagerly approach the final stages of construction.

Update No.5 (29/10/2021)

Our project for a house boat on the river Thames is finished. The house is prepared to be pulled to Hampton.

House in Kingston under construction

We were thrilled to visit our project for a large extension and renovation of a detached house in Kingston and were delighted to see the progress being made. The construction works are moving at an impressive pace, and we anticipate the scaffolding being erected soon to commence the expansive loft extension. We will provide you with further updates in due course!


When we first arrived at the site during the early stages of the project, we were impressed by the scale of the plot on which the original detached house sat. In the 90s, an extension was added to the side of the house to create a utility area. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the built quality of this side extension left much to be desired, particularly in the case of its flat roof.


Taking into consideration the clients' feedback during our initial meetings, we carefully devised a design that prioritized their desire for a more spacious and open kitchen/dining/living area. To achieve this, we embarked on a thoughtfully planned extension at the rear and side of the property, ensuring that the front reception room and hallway were preserved in their original form. Additionally, we incorporated a utility area/boot room and a cozy study on the ground floor for added functionality.


Moving up to the first floor, we designed a side extension to accommodate a stunning new en-suite bathroom. And we went even further by undertaking a generous loft extension on the second floor, creating a luxurious new bedroom complete with an en-suite bathroom.


In addition to the transformations happening within the main house, we also provided a design to revamp the large garage into a vibrant playroom, complete with its very own convenience—a WC. The aim was to provide a space dedicated to amusement and entertainment for the whole family.


As we await the completion of this exceptional project, we are continuously amazed by the progress and the positive impact it will bring to our clients' lives. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting project!

New roof to an arts and crafts home in Hampton

Our project for a roof conversion to an Arts and Crafts home in Hampton is well underway.

The remarkable progress has allowed us to witness the transformation taking place before our eyes. As part of the conversion, a new bedroom and bathroom will be added to the existing structure, accompanied by a tastefully designed dormer that seamlessly blends with the original aesthetics. It is worth noting that this remarkable home resides within the boundaries of the Hampton Village Conservation Area, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony with the surroundings.


Square One Architects was appointed for this project back in 2018. The property itself boasts a rich history, dating back to its construction in 1913, with a ground floor rear extension added in 2015. Originally, the planning application included proposals for a loft extension, which were subsequently withdrawn.

The client expressed a strong desire for the new roof conversion to be in keeping with the Arts and Crafts style that defines the essence of the house. In response, our team retained the original roof's profile while introducing generously-sized roof windows. These windows serve to infuse the new space with ample natural light and provide effective ventilation.


Additionally, our role in this project extends beyond the roof conversion. We have also been entrusted with the task of redesigning the large front garden of the house. Here, we aim to introduce a new wall, period gates, and an entirely fresh garden design. By doing so, we seek to further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property, reinforcing its historical charm and visual integrity.

processed_20210310_101446.jpg
processed_20210208_092217.jpg

House in Teddington construction update

Our project for a ground floor redevelopment and rear extension to a 1960’s house in Teddington is progressing smoothly. Thanks to some well-placed alterations to the internal partitions and a thoughtfully designed rear extension, the space now exudes an incredible sense of vastness compared to its previous layout. The transformation is truly remarkable.


The journey with this client began in 2020 when they approached Square One Architects with a vision to extend the ground floor of their 4-bed terraced house in Teddington. Having been built in 1964, the property held a special charm that the client wished to preserve and enhance. We made sure to take this into account as our design unfolded.


One of the key elements of the project involved eliminating the non-original conservatory, constructed in the 1980’s, and replacing it with a solid extension that seamlessly integrated with the rest of the house. This new addition serves as a glorious sunroom, radiating warmth and providing a serene retreat for the homeowners. Moreover, the removal of internal walls and partitions allowed us to create an open plan kitchen/dining area, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness and flow.


In the pursuit of maximizing natural light, a keen desire of our client, our design embraced the abundant use of large, glazed surfaces and a generously proportioned skylight.


As the project continues to unfold, we will provide further updates on the progress made and the exciting new features that will soon grace this transformed home. Stay tuned for more!

processed_20210319_143436.jpg
processed_20210319_143414.jpg

Architects Vs Engineers

Sometimes clients seem rather confused by the difference between Architects and Engineers and I thought it would be a good idea to shed some light over the differences and similarities between the two professions.

Both Architects and Engineers, in particular Civil and Structural Engineers, deal with the built environment. Their main role is that of the designer although they deal with widely different realms.

In broad terms Architects overlook the entire design process from the early concept till construction, while Structural Engineers take care of the structural design only, which is a very specific part of the design process.

When it comes to home project and renovations both professionals play different, but essential roles. Potential clients should get in touch with an Architect in first instance, the Architect will then inform the client when the Structural Engineer will be needed.

Although in some cases Architects design some simple structures, I tend to believe that structural design should be treated as a very specific subject and therefore should be addressed by a specialist.

This doesn't mean that Architects can afford to ignore the structural design, on the contrary Architects have a duty to understand any proposals that come from a Structural Engineer (and in some cases even challenge them), but the two fields are very different and in my opinion it's always a better to leave the design of the structure to a qualified Engineer.

Any Architect should be able to guide the client through all the stages of the design process and approximately around stage 4 of the RIBA Plan of work (also called Detail Design) the Structural Engineer will come into play.

Following an initial inspection and discussion with the Architect, the Engineer will provide one or more structural options which may have architectural implications. These solutions always need to be discussed with the Architect. Following this, the Architect will integrate the structural design within the drawings package.

The structural design will come with some associated calculations that will then be submitted to building control for a structural check.

Finding architecture jobs in London

As a practice we receive many emails from all around the world inquiring about architecture jobs in London.

This seems to be a very common query and I would like to go through a few suggestions that may be helpful in finding an architectural job in the London area.

Your portfolio

My first suggestion is to be extremely critical about your own project portfolio. Ultimately, we are Architects and we are drawn to strong projects and images. You should never forget that you are as good as your worst project and therefore try to give priority to quality over quantity. You need to be ruthless in your project selection, which can be hard given the attachment that we all have to our projects. Try to look at your portfolio from an outsider’s point of view. How strong is your project? Have you conveyed its quality?

Another important point is to make sure that it is clear what role you had on a specific project. There is no point in sharing several drawings if they were produced and coordinated by someone else.

No matter how good your profile is, nobody will ever spend much time going through your entire life’s history and therefore any application needs to be a ruthless summary of the best work you have carried out.

I like portfolios to be relatively short up to 10 A4 pages and with a simple design.

Hard copy vs email

If there is a quick way to stand out of the crowd it is certainly to send a hard copy of your documents. I appreciate this is not very straightforward, it is certainly much easier to send an email, however it shows the practice that you have gone the extra mile. Sending documents by post can also be quite expensive when you consider printing costs and shipping costs. However, you must keep in mind at 99% of the applications we receive are sent via email and they often get mixed with suppliers’ emails and sometimes spam and a printed application will have more weight than an email.

Sending a physical copy of your portfolio guarantees that whoever receives the document will pay attention, plus a physical document is much easier to read than an email.

In order to avoid spending enormous amounts of money I would suggest making a shortlist of the offices that you prefer and limit the shipment of hard copies to this list.

The Curriculum Vitae

Every application should come with a Curriculum Vitae that should support the work shown in the portfolio.

Again, I think the Curriculum Vitae should be relatively simple, probably two A4 pages, with a graphic design that feels consistent with the rest of the portfolio.

The cover letter

The application should also come with a cover letter that should be completely bespoke to the office you are targeting.

The cover letter should explain why you are applying to that specific office and what you've done in the past that relates to the type of projects undertaken by that office. In other words, you must explain why you would be a good match for that practice.

Finally, we tend to ignore all applications that do not present a London address, and this is even more important after Brexit. I strongly suggest sorting out any visa requirements before applying for a job as it is highly unlikely that an architectural office will have the ability to provide any visa support given the relatively small size of most practices.

Iacopo

Project schedule #7 Rear Extension in Hampton

 
hampton-extension-kitchen-dining-03.jpg

Project schedule

Year: 2018-2019

Location: Hampton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

RIBA Design Stages: 0-5

Architect:

Square One Architects

Structural Engineer:

Steve Nicolaou

Building Control:

Building Control Approval

In this schedule we will revisit a project designed in 2018 for a rear extension in Hampton.

This was a very fun project for a young couple and their lovely dog. The existing house was a typical terraced property that had been extended at loft level.

The ground floor of the house also featured a rear extension probably from the 1980’s. The extension had been poorly built at designed and needed renovation. This is a very typical scenario, house extensions built in the 80’s are often mediocre construction with hardly any insulation and poorly performing windows.

In this case the rear extension was also not making the most out of the full width of the site leaving a side-patio that was essentially wasted space.

Internally an opening had been created between the reception room and the rear. More and more clients are asking us to revert these types of feature. The front reception room was usually designed to create a buffer between the street and the more private rear of the house and people are starting to appreciate this feature more and more.

Our project targeted all the problems highlighted above with a new rear extension that included a bright kitchen and dining area and a new WC and utility room in the darker section of the ground floor.

We analysed daylight carefully in order to provide as much natural daylight to the extension as possible. The before and after pictures speak for themselves.

The clients’ feedback was great, they felt the ground floor had been resolved with a rear hallway leading to the ground floor WC (separated from the rest of the living and dining areas). The rear extension features large skylights and Crittall style French doors and window (supplied by Fabco Sanctuary). They also appreciated having a very private front room.

The result is a very practical layout with an open and bright living area that the clients will certainly enjoy in the years to come.

Before and after images

Open plan

Open plan

Kitchen

Kitchen

External view

External view

Side return

Side return

Your project and COVID-19

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 highlighted the importance of flexible working solutions in order to minimize disruptions to existing projects.

As an office we are fully equipped and organized to work at distance and we recently implemented screen sharing capabilities in order to be able to carry out meetings with our clients at distance, in case of a full lockdown.

Said that our job is not carried out in isolation and there are several elements outside of our control that need to be considered, especially planning and construction.

Planning Applications

In line with the advice from the Royal Institute of British Architects, we wrote emails to Richmond, Kingston and Elmbridge asking to confirm their plans for development control during this period due to potential COVID-19 related disruptions.

Richmond confirmed that officers and admin staff are set up to work from home, however they are experiencing delays. At this moment in time applications are still being processed.

Elmbridge confirmed that at present the timescales for applications have not changed. Things are changing daily due to government advice and anything impacting timescales will be published on their planning web pages.

Update: On March 23rd Elmbridge confirmed the Committees had been cancelled and they could not tell about the timescales of the planning applications.

They also mentioned that they are having to change some working practices, such as site visits being undertaken without the need to enter properties etc, but this shouldn’t impact things in terms of planning submissions and Council’s processing.

We are still waiting for a response from Kingston and we will update this page as soon as this is available.

We invite you to contact your local authority directly for any information regarding new and existing planning applications.

For those who have an account with the Architects’ Journal you can also check one of their articles about how planning is coping with COVID-19 by clicking here.

At present, the planning portal is operating normally including online payments.

Construction

There are two potential risks that may affect construction, the first one is a future full lockdown, the second one is disruption to existing/new orders for construction materials, especially for materials coming from EU countries, which is the vast majority.

We discussed this with one of the contractors we use regularly and they suggested to stockpile materials in advance in the rear garden of the properties, with the only exception of materials that may suffer from exposure to the elements, for example plasterboard.

This requires an extra degree of coordination between the client and the contractor, however it will help to minimize any potential delay at a later stage. If your project is under construction, we suggest to discuss this with your contractor directly and agree with them the best course of action.

Update: on March 23rd a new lockdown was put in place. Under the new rules essential work, including work on construction sites, could carry on.
The housing secretary said: “if you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing”. Source:
The Guardian

We are committed to help you through these difficult times and will be there to help you realize your dream soon.

House extension in Twickenham

Check out the pictures of our latest project for a house extension.

twickenham-refurbishment-landing.jpg

This was a very interesting project that we carried out between 2018 and 2019 for a family of three with a small child. The project was in Twickenham and it included a first-floor extension and internal alterations to a peculiar Edwardian house dating from the 18th century.

The existing house included some interesting features; however, it had also been altered and extended in several moments in time and its overall feeling was not very cohesive from a design perspective.

The client had two requests: the first one was to add a bedroom and the second one was for a design that would create a sense of cohesion throughout the property.

The house was located just outside the Twickenham Green Conservation Area and this was quite a lucky coincidence, because obviously being within a conservation area means that you must take on board the conservation officers’ opinion.

From a planning perspective the project presented its own difficulties. With the client we agreed to submit a design for a first-floor extension to the rear. This type of extensions is always quite challenging planning-wise because of the potential to block other properties’ windows and to give a sense of enclosure to the neighbors, especially in a terraced house type of scenario.

The other challenge was the presence of a property nearby that was owned by a developer who had submitted a planning application proposing several alterations that would have an impact on our clients’ property, once implemented. In other words, everything we proposed had to consider the ongoing development next door.

At the very beginning of the project we considered several options. The first one was a very simple loft extension and the second one was a first-floor rear extension. We analysed all these options with the client and ultimately the decision ended up being made on both a design and a financial basis. The first-floor extension proved to be more efficient from both a spatial and especially a financial point of view. It also allowed to level up the ceiling of the property creating a more cohesive internal look.

The result is a project that that optimized the existing layout of the house, added a much needed extra bedroom, eliminated all internal steps and created consistent ceiling levels throughout the whole property.

A-frame extension in Hampton

Our project for an A-frame rear extension in Hampton has been completed and is now live. You can have a look at the latest photos by clicking here.

02-rear-extension-hampton-bifold.jpg

This project dates back from 2016 when our client, a young family of four with two children, got in touch with Square One Architects to design a single storey rear extension for their house, a 1930s semi-detached 2-bedroom property in Hampton.

The existing house was typical and featured a non-original conservatory that used to be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter. The rest of the ground floor was not very spacious and quite dark.

The client’s brief included the demolition of the existing conservatory and creation of a new extension with an open plan solution. The new open plan would include a generous kitchen, dining area and living space.

The client expressed an interest for a very specific type of structure that featured an “A-frame” , including a gable window and a set of bi-fold doors. This is not an unusual configuration; however, it presents its own challenges when built as an extension to an existing period building. The biggest challenge for this project was in fact the integration of the structural solution (designed by our structural engineer) and the existing structure.

The other challenge was planning. In first instance the council deemed the proposed full-width extension to be too large so we had to go through a negotiation process that led to the final solution which includes the rear extension and flat roofed side extension.

Square One architects managed to overcome these difficulties and delivered the project that our client wanted. The result is an incredibly spacious extension that benefits from a generous amount of daylight. As usual daylight was predicted using daylight simulation methods that come from our Director’s background in lighting design.

Look Out Day at the Kingston School of Art Architecture.

On March 4th we attended for the second year in a row the Look Out Day at the Kingston School of Art Architecture.

Square One Architects helped provide an opportunity for Kingston University students to develop their employability skills and build their network.

It was great to meet so many motivated students and have the opportunity to see their work!

What is the lookout day at kingston university?

Last year the Kingston University Architecture School got in touch with us. They were looking for local practices and employers from the South West London region to take part in a series of professional skills workshops with their students. The afternoon workshops were followed by a view of the Summer Show in the evening.

This event was part of Kingston's 'Looking Out' series in which the school invites practitioners, alumni and current practicing tutors to contribute practical advice about the profession.

Workshops included speed interviews and portfolio/CV reviews as well as the opportunity for practices to present themselves to final year students soon to be looking for work.

This was a great opportunity to meet and form connections with some very talented students before they graduated in the summer and help to bridge the gap between academia and the wider profession.

Fort two years Square One Architects participated to this event and we were not disappointed. From an academic point of view, I have always been a strong proponent of creating links between universities and local practices for several reasons.

The most important one is that university studies can be very theoretical. There is nothing wrong with theory, however architecture is a very hand on discipline, and it is not unusual to find very green architectural assistants who need significant coaching when hired by a practice. This is standard practice for any architectural office; however, universities can help easing this task by supplementing their teaching with a more practical approach.

In this regard I can confirm that Kingston is doing a very good job. We are currently working with a Kingston graduate and her approach has been very effective from day one. This was a huge relief for a Director who is very busy carrying out many tasks at the same time!

The importance of working with an Architect

It's very important for potential clients to check the credentials of their designer.

In Britain the term “Architect” is protected, this means that in order to call yourself an Architect you need to comply with certain standards.

The Architects Registration Board, or ARB, is a body responsible for keeping an updated register of all the Architects in the UK. In order to be registered with the ARB the perspective Architect needs to prove several academic qualifications, usually a Bachelor and a Master, but also that day they took a professional test called RIBA part 3. This is the equivalent to a formal professional qualification test in other European countries.

Many Architects also have Royal Institute of British Architects, or RIBA, credentials; this means that their portfolio of projects and academic qualifications have been carefully checked by a committee appointed by the RIBA. RIBA Chartered Architects also need to prove their insurance levels and commit to several standards set by the RIBA, in particular a specific Code of Professional Conduct.

Architectural practices can also be chartered with the RIBA, this means that the office as a whole has to abide by a number of rules and standards in terms of professionalism. Architects also need to prove that they have a suitable professional indemnity insurance that can cover the value of the projects they carry out and there is a set ratio of architects and designers/assistants.

In the UK, Architects are not the only ones who can produce projects. In theory anyone can submit a planning application or an application to building control. This brings me to the next point: sometimes designer call themselves “Architectural Designers” or any other name that doesn't include the specific term Architect. Although this may sound not very important, it essentially means that the designer does not have any formal qualification as an Architect. They may have other qualifications, but these are not strictly within the field of Architecture. It also means the designer doesn’t have to respond to any specific professional body and doesn’t not have to comply with specific standards. It also means the academic qualifications and professional experience of the designer have not been confirmed by any professional body. In other words, there is no specific standard for anyone that call themselves designers.

It's very important to understand the crucial difference between Architects and any other type of designers. We strongly suggest any potential client to choose practices with a specific chartered qualification from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

We just received our RIBA Chartered Practice certificate for this coming year!

Your 2020 Chartered Practice certificate.jpg

Best of Houzz 2020

We won Best of Houzz 2020 award! You can check our profile here

Press release

Square One Architects of London

Awarded Best Of Houzz 2020

The Annual People’s Choice Award from the Houzz Community Highlights Home Renovation and Design Professionals with Most Popular Designs and Top Ratings

London, 14th February, 2020 – Square One Architects has won a “Best Of Houzz” award for Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The 5-year old architecture firm was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.5 million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz badge is awarded annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honour professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including a pro's overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2019. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognised with the Photography award.

A “Best Of Houzz 2020” badge will appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“We are very glad to receive this award that proves our committment to an outstanding customer service and bespoke design”, said Iacopo Sassi, Director of Square One Architects.

“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home renovation and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Inés Cid, Managing Director for Houzz UK. “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across the UK and around the world.”

Follow Square One Architects on Houzz

About Square One Architects

Square One Architects is an  RIBA Chartered Practice based in Hampton, South West London, which specializes in bespoke residential architecture.

We believe designing and building your house should be a fun and exciting experience, whilst being overlooked by qualified professionals capable of not only understanding your needs and ambitions, but proposing new and unique solutions as well.

Our homes are the most important spaces we experience in everyday life and we, as a company, are convinced that their quality plays a crucial role in our well being.

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, discover products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.co.uk.